Servo-String Plush Toy Motion for Pose-Holding Interactivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional soft toys lack mobility, pose-holding capabilities, and interactive features, failing to engage children effectively.
Innovation Solution
A programmable toy with servo motors and strings that enable movable joints and audio interaction, controlled via a mobile application, allowing customizable movements and sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional soft toys are used, then simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but mobility and pose-holding capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The toy is divided into distinct modular components: a body member, a head member, and multiple servo motors positioned at specific joints. Each servo motor independently controls a specific degree of freedom, allowing the head to move separately from the body and enabling precise pose control without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy transitions from a static traditional soft toy to a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The servo motors enable the head and body to move relative to each other in multiple directions (pitch, yaw, roll), allowing the toy to achieve and maintain various poses dynamically rather than remaining fixed in a single position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If servo motors and control systems are added, then interactivity and engagement are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be multi-functional, handling both motor control and audio processing through integrated circuits. The same control architecture manages the servo motors for movement while also coordinating the speaker for audio interaction, reducing the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each function and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
A control circuit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the multiple actuators (servo motors and speaker). This intermediary component coordinates the operation of different subsystems, managing power distribution and control signals in a centralized manner that simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to having separate control systems for each component.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple servo motors are integrated, then pose-holding capability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single heavy actuator system, the invention places smaller, lighter servo motors at specific locations where they are most effective. The first servo motor is positioned at the head's rotation axis, the second at the body's rotation axis, and the third at the head's pitch axis, allowing each motor to control a specific local degree of freedom with minimal weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces what would traditionally require complex mechanical linkages and springs for pose-holding with electronic servo motors that use feedback control. This substitution allows for more precise and stable pose holding with lighter components, as the servo motors can maintain positions through electronic control rather than requiring heavy mechanical counterbalancing mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances engagement by providing movable and interactive features, simulating natural motions and responding to auditory and visual inputs, thereby appealing to children.
Implementation Method 1
The head member includes a third rotary servo motor... configured to rotate the head member about the vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
a first set of strings which are interconnected between the first rotary servo motor and to the head member
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable toy is disclosed. The programmable toy includes a head member, a body member, a joint connecting the head and body members, one or more servo motors, a plurality of strings, a mobile application, and programmable instructions in the mobile application to allow the programmable toy to move on its own.